Mikel Merino's Brace Sparks Spain's Scoring Spree in Commanding Victory Over Bulgarian Side

Everything began in Scottish soil and the momentum continues. That memorable evening at Hampden marked only Luis de la Fuente's second as Spain's manager; numerous observers thought it might turn out to be his final match in charge. Although a pair of Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas almost all spectators anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, the coach spoke about a pathway opening - and remarkably, the man previously criticized of living in Disneyland turned out right.

36 months and later, Spain advanced extremely close of World Cup participation, and also racking up their 29th straight competitive game unbeaten, matching the legendary record.

Midfield Masterclass and Decisive Contribution

During an evening when Pedri played and Mikel Merino created the difference, Spain overcame Bulgaria four-nil to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in World Cup qualification, edging closer. The Arsenal playmaker and sometime striker scored the opening two goals and could have earned his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain appearances but after brought down in the final minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.

Therefore it was the Real Sociedad attacker, goal-getter of the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, who continued the impressive sequence, matching what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.

Record Equaled

Now, readers may have noticed the symbol, and rightly so. Although FIFA may not classify it as a loss, during this remarkable run Spain did suffer defeat once – 7-5 on penalties to Portugal in the continental tournament decider back in June. However formally at least, this current team has equaled that legendary team against which all Spanish national teams are compared.

Victory in Georgia in a month and the record will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked number one, among the frontrunners once more, reminiscent of old times.

Complete Domination

This was "only" versus Bulgaria, admittedly, just as previous encounters against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, combined score fifteen-zero. There were two moments immediately after La Selección obtained their first two goals – the third being an own goal – but eventually their rivals had not been permitted a solitary shot on target.

The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly being Spain. Bulgaria's coach had confessed the sole objective his team could have was to resist as long as they could. Ultimately, that defensive effort lasted 33 minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's 18th attempt on target already.

Midfield Brilliance

The display was about all of them, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere at once: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, unable to detect him as he darted through their lines. He executed 101 passes by the time he was withdrawn to a rapturous applause on the sixty-sixth minute, and his were the instances of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest too.

When the Valladolid stadium sang his name during the first half, he had just slipped unmarked into the penalty box once more, dinking his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the crossbar, but it was not only that. He had previously lifted a gorgeous pass into Álex Baena to strike wide and delivered an additional pass from which Baena was denied.

Continued Pressure

A disguised pass had set Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a neat pass saw Oyarzabal scuff his shot. He got a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean contact, striking wide.

But then, almost immediately after, he delivered an additional ball in. This time Robin Le Normand nodded across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had eighty-eight percent of the possession, then had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a little later Aghehowa might have made it two-nil.

Brief Resistance

But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football great. And the initial occasion Bulgaria advanced into Spain's territory they might have equalized, Kiril Despodov suddenly sprinting away and striking the outside of the net.

Introduced for Aghehowa at the half-time, Borja Iglesias had three chances in as many minutes before Merino did it again. The cross from the left flank was superb from Álex Grimaldo and there, jumping above all defenders, was Merino to direct the header downward and dash off to celebrate round the corner flag.

Final Moments

Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria survived once more, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and yet the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Yet it was not quite done, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal blast in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's continuing tenure.